A workshop was scheduled before the March 26 Planning Commission meeting to consider revisions to the tree ordinance. Chris Fischer had planned to address the workshop but was unable to attend. In his absence, commissioners discussed several topics, including replacement trees and finding a more useful name for antique trees.
They also discussed the intersection between the sidewalk ordinance and the tree ordinance. The city requires sidewalk repair, but also protects the trees which may threaten the sidewalk. “Our codes are very difficult to follow on tree cuts,” Chair Ann Sallee said. “There should be something simple for someone who wants to cut a tree.” She suggested scheduling another workshop when Fischer can attend.
Commissioner Tom Buford said other cities with tree ordinances had either a full-time or a contract-based arborist and a consultant with specific tree knowledge would help the commission make more informed decisions. The commission would have to find money to fund that position.
A discussion of future training for commissioners led to questions about the commission’s budget. Sallee suggested using $1,700 set aside for training and spending that money on an arborist. The training sessions have been important for commissioners, but Sallee said the instructor from the Municipal League can come to Eureka Springs, instead of having commissioners travel to Little Rock.
Abbey said she did not like the idea of taking money from one area of the budget for another. She preferred to ask city council to appropriate money for an arborist. Sallee said she will look further into the commission’s budget, which she said, “has been a mystery up to now.”
The commission will next meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. The agenda will include more discussion on the different wording between city code and definitions on B&Bs. Commissioners may also ask to have a report from the building inspector with an overview on the city’s codes and enforcement.